Nature Days is a 6-day programme for children to connect with the woodland and develop in five aspects (Social skills, Physical wellbeing, Intellectual ability, Creativity, and Emotional intelligence). It's a great opportunity for them to build their self-esteem and friendship with a wide variety of nature-based activities.
Dates: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 11th August to 22nd August 2025
(11th, 13th, 15th, 18th, 20th and 22nd August 2025)
Time: 13:00 - 16:00 (six sessions, 3 hours/session)
Location: Alderney Community Woodland
Meeting point: New Town Road (near Blanchard). What3words: ///alerts.graduated.wingspan
For children aged 6-10 years old. £60/child for all six sessions
Activities in the programme include:
- Connection with the woodland, learning about wildlife and plants
- Free child-led play
- Nature-based games: Games with an element of numeracy and literacy improvement
- Art and craft: Create toys, art and crafts
- Tool use: Learn to use some tools (e.g. butter knife and silky saw) safely under adult supervision
- Safe fire-lighting and extinguishing
For children from 6 to 10 years old. The priority will be given to those who can commit to all 6 days and haven't been to a Forest School Programme before.
This programme will be led by Thanh Doan, Forest School Trainee and supported by Abigail de Castella, certified Forest School Leader.
Sycamore / Thanh Doan
Common Carder Bee / Thanh Doan
Den building / Thanh Doan
Wildlife sightings board
Knot learning / Thanh Doan
Create a toy of your choice
Fire lighting / Thanh Doan
Try outdoor cooking / Thanh Doan
Full 6-day Nature Days programme
Day 1: The woodland is waiting to meet you
- Make new friends through icebreaker games.
- Connect with the woodland and get to know its residents (plants and animals) through a scavenger hunt.
- Log your sightings to the wildlife board.
- Design your basecamp with ‘camping creations’ (creating items/objects you may need for your time in the woodland).
- Learn knots at your own pace with our 3D guides.
Day 2: Tool use day
- Learn to use tools safely (under adult supervision).
- Build your confidence in tool use as you create something amazing - will it be a sistrum (a cool percussion instrument) or your very own designed woodland toy? The choice is yours!
Day 3: Hammock hangout and Den building
- Put those knot skills to the test by rigging a hammock between two trees.
- Team up to build your dream den—whether it's a teepee, a lean-to, or an A-frame shelter! Let your inner engineer shine as you design your perfect woodland hideout!
Day 4: Creative Day - Where nature meets creativity
Today is all about unleashing your creativity in nature! Choose your challenge: craft a magical 3D map of our Nature Days area, tell stories using story stones, or get crafty with natural materials. You could design a beautiful nature mandala, fashion a woodland crown or mask, transform sycamore seeds into delicate dragonflies, or even make your own feather quill pen!
Day 5: Introduction to fire lighting (and extinguishing)
- Introduction to fire lighting and fire extinguishing.
- Create your own nature obstacle course.
- Do something for nature!
Day 6: Campfire celebrations
Put your fire skills to the test by building a campfire. Cook up wild treats over the flames and celebrate your achievements around the fire with nature-inspired food and drink!
These activities are subject to change dependent on the weather and natural materials available on-site. The activities on each day can be moved to another day, depending on the child's choice. There's always time for good old-fashioned play in the woods.
Book Nature Days
We appreciate your interest in enrolling your child in this programme. Priority will be given to children who can commit to all six days and have not attended a Forest School programme before. Due to limited spaces, your booking will only be confirmed once you receive a formal confirmation email securing your child’s place.
Thank you for your understanding.